Systems and methods for providing a vehicle camper

ABSTRACT

This invention relates generally to mechanics, and more specifically, to systems and methods for providing a vehicle camper. In one embodiment, the invention includes a vehicle camper having a base, a first portion of the base configurable to being disposed within a cargo space of a vehicle, the first portion of the base configurable to resting upon a floor of the cargo space, a second portion of the base configurable to extending laterally and outwardly from the cargo space such that the second portion is exposed from the vehicle; at least one support, the at least one support being deployably coupled to the base and configurable to extend from the base to a ground surface to provide support for the base; and a tent, the tent coupled to at least a portion of the base configured to being exposed from the vehicle, the tent suspendable by a frame, the tent and the frame configurable to being automatically deployable upon release to define an interior space above the base, the tent configurable to extending around at least a portion of an outside of the vehicle to provide a seal against moisture, the tent having a door for providing access from an exterior of the vehicle, wherein the base, the at least one support, and the tent are deployably collapsible into a stowable and portable unit.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/018,146 filed Dec. 31, 2007 (our ref. OGDN-1-1001). The foregoing application is incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to mechanics, and more specifically, to systems and methods for providing a vehicle camper.

BACKGROUND

Although there are many instances where sleeping in a passenger vehicle would be desirable, such vehicles are not generally designed for overnight accommodations. Instead, passenger vehicles have relatively confined spaces that are disrupted by seating, consoles, and other immovable objects. A number of tent extensions for automobiles have been invented to address this problem, including Woodward (U.S. Pat. No. 3,746,386), Davis (U.S. Pat. No. 3,410,598), Baughman (U.S. Pat. No. 5,066,065). However, each of these inventions suffers from deficiencies that reduce their usability and effectiveness. For example, Woodward discloses a prism shaped tent that provides increased headroom for a hatchback vehicle. While Woodward does enhance the ability of an individual to sit more upright in the trunk area of a hatchback, Woodward does not increase the horizontal surface of the vehicle to permit lateral body extension. Differently, Davis discloses a platform coupled with a tent that provides an extension to the trunk of a sedan. While Davis does slightly increase the horizontal surface area, it does so in an awkward fashion by resting on the frame of the sedan. Furthermore, the increase is limited because it relies on a mount within the trunk to support the entire weight of the platform, tent, and any individuals therein. Moreover, Davis requires the installation of a physical coupling mechanism within the trunk, a modification that is both difficult and undesirable in modern vehicles. Lastly, Baughman discloses a platform coupled with a rigid roof that provides an extension to a vehicle. While Baughman increases the horizontal surface area of the vehicle, the Baughman shelter is not accessible from outside the vehicle, provides only limited headroom, has a cumbersome and rigid design, and results in moisture leakage at the interface with the vehicle.

Accordingly, while desirable results have been achieved in the art, there exists much room for improvement. What is needed then are systems and methods for providing a vehicle camper.

SUMMARY

This invention relates generally to mechanics, and more specifically, to systems and methods for providing a vehicle camper. In one embodiment, the invention includes a vehicle camper having a base, a first portion of the base configurable to being disposed within a cargo space of a vehicle, the first portion of the base configurable to resting upon a floor of the cargo space, a second portion of the base configurable to extending laterally and outwardly from the cargo space such that the second portion is exposed from the vehicle; at least one support, the at least one support being deployably coupled to the base and configurable to extend from the base to a ground surface to provide support for the base; and a tent, the tent coupled to at least a portion of the base configured to being exposed from the vehicle, the tent suspendable by a frame, the tent and the frame configurable to being automatically deployable upon release to define an interior space above the base, the tent configurable to extending around at least a portion of an outside of the vehicle to provide a seal against moisture, the tent having a door for providing access from an exterior of the vehicle, wherein the base, the at least one support, and the tent are deployably collapsible into a stowable and portable unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle camper being used with a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle camper being stowed in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIGS. 3-6 are perspective views of a vehicle camper being expanded with a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention relates generally to mechanics, and more specifically, to systems and methods for providing a vehicle camper. Specific details of certain embodiments of the invention are set forth in the following description and in FIG. 1-6 to provide a thorough understanding of such embodiments. The present invention may have additional embodiments, may be practiced without one or more of the details described for any particular described embodiment, or may have any detail described for one particular embodiment practiced with any other detail described for another embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle camper being used with a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the vehicle camper being used with a vehicle includes a vehicle 102 and a camper 104. In one embodiment, the camper 104 includes a base 106, at least one support 108, a tent 110, a door 112, a seal 114, and a frame 116. The vehicle 102 is a hatchback, station wagon, sport utility vehicle, pickup truck, or any other vehicle that has a trunk or cargo space accessible from the rear. The base 106 of the camper 104 is configurable to being disposed within the cargo space of the vehicle 102 against a floor of the cargo space and extending laterally and outwardly therefrom. The at least one support 108 is disposed near a distal end of the base 106 and is configurable to extend from the base 106 to a ground surface to provide support. The tent 110 is coupled to a perimeter of the base 106 that is exposed from the vehicle 102. The tent 110 is suspended by the frame 116 to define an interior space within the tent 110 above the base 106. The tent 110 extends around an outside of the vehicle 102 proximate to the cargo space at the seal 114 to prevent and/or reduce moisture from entering the interior space of the tent 110. The door 112 is defined within the tent 110 near a distal end of the base 106 and is configurable to provide access to the interior space of the tent 110. Accordingly, the camper 104 is configurable to providing an extended and sheltered horizontal surface area from the rear of the vehicle 102 that is accessible from within and without the vehicle 102 and that prevents and/or reduces moisture from entering an interior of the tent.

In certain embodiments, the base 106 is not mounted to the vehicle 102 and instead merely rests against a floor of the cargo space. In one particular embodiment, the base 106 is customized for a particular cargo space, is coupled within the cargo space, or is alternatively coupled to the vehicle 102, such as using a hook or a trailer hitch. In another embodiment, the base 106 is configurable to slidably or unfoldably extend from the vehicle 102 (FIGS. 2-6). In various embodiments, the base is defined by a variety of widths, lengths, sizes, and shapes and can be constructed from plastics, metals, woods, synthetic materials, or any other material. In one particular embodiment, the base includes padding, which may be inflatable and/or heated, such as on its interior surface to enhance comfort. In another embodiment, the at least one support 108 is foldably or slidably deployable or can be removably couplable to the base 106. In an alternative embodiment, the at least one support 108 can include a wheel for removably engaging a ground surface or can be movably or extendably adjustable relative to the base 106 in any direction such as to accommodate an uneven ground surface. In one particular embodiment, the at least one support 108 includes a shock absorbance system. In a further embodiment, the at least one support 108 includes two supports that are oppositely disposed proximate to corners of the exposed base 106. In one embodiment, the tent 110 is coupled or removably coupled to the base 106 such as through zippers or fasteners. In yet another embodiment, the tent 110 is constructed from lightweight and waterproof material such as nylon or other similar material such as those commonly used in camping tents. In an alternative embodiment, the frame 116 is established using tension biased wires or poles or other similar supporting member such as those commonly used in camping tents. In one particular embodiment, the tent 110 and the frame 116 are automatically deployable upon release (e.g. pop-up). In another embodiment, the tent 110 and the frame 116 require at least some manual installation. In various embodiments, the tent 110 can define a variety of widths, lengths, heights, sizes, and shapes such as to accommodate varying degrees of occupancy (e.g. 1-8 persons) or to accommodate standing. Additionally, the tent 110 can include windows, skylights, vents, overhang extensions, multiple rooms, multiple doors, and additional moisture protective layers. In a further embodiment, the seal 114 is provided using the frame 116, hooks, ground stakes with cordage, adhesives, snaps, rubber, a combination of the foregoing, or other similar mechanism. In an alternative embodiment, the seal 114 is omitted and the tent 110 includes a portion that is disposed about an exterior of the vehicle 102. In other embodiments, the camper 104 includes other features such as a toilet/plumbing system, a cooking appliance, other kitchen systems, an electrical system, a heating/cooling system, a computer/network system, an entertainment/gaming system, lights, and a security system, any of which can be located within or without the camper 104 or connected to systems provided by the vehicle 102. Additionally, the camper 104 can be equipped steps, beds, seats, tables, shelves, multiple living levels, and any other element that is present in modern motor homes or campers. In an additional embodiment, the camper 104 is usable on a ground surface without the vehicle 102, such as by using a tent insert to fill the aperture resulting in the tent 110 from removal of the vehicle 102.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle camper being stowed in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the vehicle camper being used with a vehicle includes the vehicle 102 and the camper 104. The base 106 of the camper 104 is foldably collapsible along with the tent 110, the frame 116, and the at least one support 108 into a self-contained portable unit and the camper 104 is stowable within the cargo space of the vehicle 102. The stowed camper 104 can be conveniently moved, repositioned, removed, or disposed on the vehicle or within another vehicle and can include one or more latches, handles, or wheels to assist with the foregoing. In one particular embodiment, the camper 104 can be stowed within a compartment in the vehicle 102, within a bumper of the vehicle 102, or within a hatch of the vehicle 102. In a further embodiment, any of the tent 110, the frame 116, and the at least one support 108 can be removable and independently stowable.

FIGS. 3-6 are perspective views of a vehicle camper being expanded with a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the vehicle camper being used with a vehicle includes the vehicle 102 and the camper 104. The base 106 of the camper 104 is unfoldably expandable along with the tent 110, the frame 116, and the at least one support 108 from the cargo space of the vehicle 102 as sequentially depicted in FIGS. 3-6. The base 106 is composed of four segments, one of which remains disposed within the cargo space of the vehicle 102. The remaining three segments are sequentially unfolded with the tent 110 and the at least one support 108 being deployable therefrom (FIG. 6). In certain embodiments, the base 108 is composed of fewer or greater segments, any of which can vary in length, width, or shape. In another embodiment, the base 108 is slidably or rollably expandable or can be joined from one or more separate components. In another embodiment, a motor is provided to assist with expanding and/or collapsing the camper 104.

While preferred and alternate embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of these preferred and alternate embodiments. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow. 

1. A vehicle camper, the vehicle camper comprising: a base, a first portion of the base configurable to being disposed within a cargo space of a vehicle, the first portion of the base configurable to resting upon a floor of the cargo space, a second portion of the base configurable to extending laterally and outwardly from the cargo space such that the second portion is exposed from the vehicle; at least one support, the at least one support being deployably coupled to the base and configurable to extend from the base to a ground surface to provide support for the base; and a tent, the tent coupled to at least a portion of the base configured to being exposed from the vehicle, the tent suspendable by a frame, the tent and the frame configurable to being automatically deployable upon release to define an interior space above the base, the tent configurable to extending around at least a portion of an outside of the vehicle to provide a seal against moisture, the tent having a door for providing access from an exterior of the vehicle, wherein the base, the at least one support, and the tent are deployably collapsible into a stowable and portable unit.
 2. The vehicle camper of claim 1, wherein the base is not mounted to the vehicle.
 3. The vehicle camper of claim 1, wherein the base is coupled to the vehicle using a trailer hitch.
 4. The vehicle camper of claim 1, wherein the base, the at least one support, and the tent are configurable to foldably collapse into a stowable and portable unit.
 5. The vehicle camper of claim 1, wherein the base includes padding.
 6. The vehicle camper of claim 1, wherein the at least one support is adjustable relative to the base.
 7. The vehicle camper of claim 1, wherein the at least one support includes a shock absorbance system.
 8. The vehicle camper of claim 1, wherein the tent provides for a plurality of rooms.
 9. The vehicle camper of claim 1, further comprising: at least one of a plumbing system, a kitchen system, an electrical system, a heating or cooling system, a computer or network system, an entertainment system, and a security system, any of which are usable in coordination with the vehicle.
 10. The vehicle camper of claim 1, further comprising: at least one of steps, a bed, a seat, a table, and a shelf.
 11. The vehicle camper of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of living levels.
 12. The vehicle camper of claim 1, further comprising: a tent insert, wherein the vehicle camper is configurable to being usable on a ground surface without the vehicle and the tent insert is configurable to filling an aperture resulting from removal of the vehicle.
 13. The vehicle camper of claim 1, wherein the vehicle camper is configurable to being stowed within a compartment of the vehicle.
 14. The vehicle camper of claim 1, wherein the tent and/or the at least one support are removably coupled to the base.
 15. A vehicle camper, the vehicle camper comprising: a means for extending a cargo space of a vehicle; a means for supporting the means for extending the cargo space on a ground surface; and a means for providing an interior space above the means for extending the cargo space that is automatically deployable, that is sealed from moisture at an interface with the vehicle, and that is accessible from an exterior of the vehicle, wherein the means for extending the cargo space, the means for support, and the means for providing an interior space are collapsible into a stowable and portable unit.
 16. The vehicle camper of claim 15, wherein the means for extending the cargo space of the vehicle is not mounted to the vehicle.
 17. The vehicle camper of claim 15, wherein the means for support is adjustable relative to the means for extending the cargo space.
 18. The vehicle camper of claim 15, wherein the means for support includes a shock absorbance system.
 19. A vehicle, the vehicle comprising: a body, an engine, and at least one wheel, the body defining a cargo space and a compartment; a base, a first portion of the base configurable to being disposed within the cargo space, the first portion of the base configurable to resting upon a floor of the cargo space, a second portion of the base configurable to extending laterally and outwardly from the cargo space such that the second portion is exposed from the vehicle; at least one support, the at least one support being deployably coupled to the base and configurable to extend from the base to a ground surface to provide support for the base; and a tent, the tent coupled to at least a portion of the base configured to being exposed from the vehicle, the tent suspendable by a frame, the tent and the frame configurable to being automatically deployable upon release to define an interior space above the base, the tent configurable to extending around at least a portion of an outside of the vehicle to provide a seal against moisture, the tent having a door for providing access from an exterior of the vehicle, wherein the base, the at least one support, and the tent are deployably collapsible and stowable within the compartment of the vehicle.
 20. The vehicle of claim 19, further comprising: at least one of a plumbing system, a kitchen system, an electrical system, a heating or cooling system, a computer or network system, an entertainment system, and a security system, any of which are usable in coordination with the vehicle. 